Projectile launcher with inward rotating arms

ABSTRACT

A projectile launcher with a stationary element extending outwardly from a body and a pivotal element attached so as to extend forward, the pivotal element having a cocked position directed toward the body and a released position directed in the forward direction and a second stationary element and pivotal element similarly mounted but extending outwardly from the body in an opposite direction. A bowstring extending between the two pivotal elements and movable between a cocked and a released position. A latch movable between a closed position, retaining the bowstring in the cocked position, and an open position, releasing the bowstring. A tubular torsion bar coupled to the pivotal elements and movable between energy storage and releasing configurations. A delivery system coupling the torsion bar to the pivotal elements and transferring energy to and from the torsion bar when the bowstring is moved between the cocked and released positions.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.62/570,608, filed 10 Oct. 2017.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to mechanisms for launching projectiles and morespecifically to projectile mechanisms with inward rotating arms togenerate larger stored mechanical energy.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

As explained in detail in U.S. Pat. No. 9,310,156, entitled “ProjectileLauncher”, issued Apr. 12, 2016, in the field of projectile launchers,there are three main categories, chemical energy devices (i.e.firearms), compressed air devices (i.e. air guns), and mechanical energydevices, (i.e. crossbows). Each have particular strengths andweaknesses. Mechanical energy devices, specifically crossbows, canprovide great power with a large projectile. They are quiet to use withno flash, and are cost effective since the mechanical energy device cantypically be reset. In traditional crossbows, the energy used to launchthe projectile is stored in the flexing of the bow arms. The projectilelauncher in the above cited patent incorporates one or more tubulartorsion bars in which energy is stored by stressing components of thetubular torsion bars through rotation of bow arms and a pulley system.In this system, the amount of energy that can be stored in the tubulartorsion bar or bars is determined by the amount of rotation of thepulleys which is determined by the movement (rotation) of the bow arms.Generally, the bow arms are limited to a pivotal or rotary movement ofless than ninety degrees.

It would be highly advantageous, therefore, to remedy the foregoing andother deficiencies inherent in the prior art.

An object of the present invention is to provide a new and improvedprojectile launcher with inward rotating arms to produce greater powerthan the prior art.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improvedprojectile launcher with inward rotating arms to produce increasedenergy storage capabilities.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly, to achieve the desired objects and advantages of the instantinvention provided is a projectile launcher with inward rotating arms.The projectile launcher includes a body having a rearward end, and aforward end, with a forward end direction being directed general towardthe forward end. The launcher further includes a first rigid arm havinga first rigid stationary element extending outwardly from the bodydefining a first outer end area and a first rigid pivotal elementpivotally attached to the first outer end area of the first rigidstationary element so as to extend in the forward end direction anddefining a first distal end. The first rigid pivotal element ispivotable between a cocked position directed generally toward the bodyand a released position directed generally in the forward direction. Asecond rigid arm has a second rigid stationary element extendingoutwardly from the body in a direction opposite the first rigidstationary element defining a second outer end area and a second rigidpivotal element pivotally attached to the second outer end area of thesecond rigid stationary element so as to extend in the forward enddirection and defining a second distal end. The second rigid pivotalelement is pivotable between a cocked position directed generally towardthe body and a released position directed generally in the forwarddirection. The launcher further includes a bowstring extending betweenthe distal ends of the first and second rigid pivotal arm elements andmovable between a cocked position and a released position, movement ofthe bowstring from the released position to the cocked position rotatesor pivots the first rigid pivotal element and the second rigid pivotalelement from the released position to the cocked position. A latchmechanism is movable between a closed position, retaining the bowstringin the cocked position, and an open position, releasing the bowstring toallow movement to the released position. At least one tubular torsionbar is coupled to the pair of rigid arms, the at least one tubulartorsion bar is movable between a mechanical energy storage configurationand a mechanical energy releasing configuration. A mechanical energydelivery system couples the at least one tubular torsion bar to thefirst and second rigid pivotal elements. The mechanical energy deliverysystem transfers mechanical energy in the form of rotary movement of thefirst and second rigid pivotal elements to the at least one tubulartorsion bar when the bowstring is moved from the released position tothe cocked position, and transfers mechanical energy from the at leastone tubular torsion bar to the first and second rigid pivotal elementsto move the first and second rigid pivotal elements from the cockedposition to the released position and the bowstring from the cockedposition to the released position.

A specific embodiment of a projectile launcher with inward rotating armsincludes a body having a rearward end, and a forward end, with a forwardend direction being directed general toward the forward end. A firstrigid arm has a first rigid stationary element extending outwardly fromthe body defining a first outer end area and a first rigid pivotalelement pivotally attached to the first outer end area of the firstrigid stationary element so as to extend in the forward end directionand defining a first distal end. The first rigid pivotal element ispivotable between a cocked position directed generally toward the bodyand a released position directed generally in the forward direction. Asecond rigid arm has a second rigid stationary element extendingoutwardly from the body in a direction opposite the first rigidstationary element defining a second outer end area and a second rigidpivotal element pivotally attached to the second outer end area of thesecond rigid stationary element so as to extend in the forward enddirection and defining a second distal end. The second rigid pivotalelement is pivotable between a cocked position directed generally towardthe body and a released position directed generally in the forwarddirection. A bowstring extends between the distal ends of the first andsecond rigid pivotal arm elements and is movable between a cockedposition and a released position, movement of the bowstring from thereleased position to the cocked position rotates or pivots the firstrigid pivotal element and the second rigid pivotal element from thereleased position to the cocked position. A latch mechanism is movablebetween a closed position, retaining the bowstring in the cockedposition, and an open position, releasing the bowstring to allowmovement to the released position. A mechanical energy delivery systemincludes a tubular torsion bar having an inner tube and an axiallyaligned outer tube, a free end of the inner tube terminated with a firstcoaxially mounted pulley and a free end of the outer tube terminatedwith a second coaxially mounted pulley. The tubular torsion bar ismovable between a mechanical energy storage configuration and amechanical energy releasing configuration. The mechanical energydelivery system further includes a first pulley arrangement mounted atthe first outer end area of the first rigid stationary element forrotation with rotation of the first rigid pivotal element and a secondpulley arrangement mounted at the second outer end area of the secondrigid stationary element for rotation with rotation of the second rigidpivotal element, and one or more strings wound around the firstcoaxially mounted pulley, the first pulley arrangement mounted at thefirst outer end area, the second pulley arrangement mounted at thesecond outer end area, and the second coaxially mounted pulley foropposite rotation of the first and second coaxially mounted pulleys. Themechanical energy delivery system transfers mechanical energy in theform of rotary movement of the first and second rigid pivotal elementsto opposite rotation of the first and second coaxially mounted pulleyswhen the bowstring is moved from the released position to the cockedposition, and transferring mechanical energy from the tubular torsionbar to the first and second rigid pivotal elements to move the first andsecond rigid pivotal elements from the cocked position to the releasedposition and the bowstring from the cocked position to the releasedposition.

A specific embodiment of a projectile launcher with inward rotating armsincludes a body having a rearward end, and a forward end, with a forwardend direction being directed general toward the forward end. Thespecific embodiment further includes a first rigid arm having a firstrigid stationary element extending outwardly from the body defining afirst outer end area and a first rigid pivotal element pivotallyattached to the first outer end area of the first rigid stationaryelement so as to extend in the forward end direction and defining afirst distal end, the first rigid pivotal element being pivotablebetween a cocked position directed generally toward the body and areleased position directed generally in the forward direction. A secondrigid arm has a second rigid stationary element extending outwardly fromthe body in a direction opposite the first rigid stationary elementdefining a second outer end area and a second rigid pivotal elementpivotally attached to the second outer end area of the second rigidstationary element so as to extend in the forward end direction anddefining a second distal end. The second rigid pivotal element ispivotable between a cocked position directed generally toward the bodyand a released position directed generally in the forward direction. Abowstring extends between the distal ends of the first and second rigidpivotal arm elements and is movable between a cocked position and areleased position, movement of the bowstring from the released positionto the cocked position rotates or pivots the first rigid pivotal elementand the second rigid pivotal element from the released position to thecocked position. A latch mechanism is movable between a closed position,retaining the bowstring in the cocked position, and an open position,releasing the bowstring to allow movement to the released position. Amechanical energy delivery system includes a plurality of tubulartorsion bars each including an inner tube and an axially aligned outertube, each of the plurality of tubular torsion bars including a free endof one of the inner and outer tubes terminated with a coaxially mountedpulley, each of the plurality of tubular torsion bars movable between amechanical energy storage configuration and a mechanical energyreleasing configuration. The mechanical energy delivery system furtherincluding a first pulley arrangement mounted at the first outer end areaof the first rigid stationary element for rotation with rotation of thefirst rigid pivotal element and a second pulley arrangement mounted atthe second outer end area of the second rigid stationary element forrotation with rotation of the second rigid pivotal element, and one ormore strings wound around the coaxially mounted pulleys, the firstpulley arrangement mounted at the first outer end area, and the secondpulley arrangement mounted at the second outer end area. The mechanicalenergy delivery system transferring mechanical energy in the form ofrotary movement of the first and second rigid pivotal elements torotation of the coaxially mounted pulleys when the bowstring is movedfrom the released position to the cocked position, and transferringmechanical energy from the plurality of tubular torsion bars to thefirst and second rigid pivotal elements to move the first and secondrigid pivotal elements from the cocked position to the released positionand the bowstring from the cocked position to the released position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and further and more specific objects and advantages ofthe invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in the artfrom the following detailed description of a preferred embodimentthereof, taken in conjunction with the drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective top view of a projectile launcher with inwardswinging arms according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective bottom view of the projectile launcher of FIG.1;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of one end of the inward swingingarms mounting system;

FIG. 4 is a simplified perspective view of the coupling between theenergy storage and delivery system and the inward swinging arms of thepresent invention, in the unloaded spring (released) position;

FIG. 5 is a simplified perspective view of the coupling between theenergy storage and delivery system and the inward swinging arms of thepresent invention, in the spring loaded (cocked) position; and

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the energy storage and delivery systemof the projectile launcher with multiple tubular torsion bars.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Turning now to the drawings in which like reference characters indicatecorresponding elements throughout the several views, attention isdirected to FIGS. 1 and 2 which illustrate a projectile launchergenerally designated 10. Projectile launcher 10 includes a body 12having a rearward end terminating in a buttstock and a forward end. Body12 receives, supports, and guides a projectile, preferably along agroove formed on a top surface thereof. Body 12 carries a pair of arms14 and 16 extending outwardly in opposite directions. Arm 14 includes arigid stationary element 18 extending outwardly in a right-handdirection, perpendicular to the body. A rigid pivotal arm element 20 isrotatably or pivotally attached at one end to the outer end of rigidstationary element 18 so as to extend in a generally (because of thepreferred arcuate shape) forward direction and movable between areleased position, generally parallel to body 12 in the embodiment, anda cocked position, generally perpendicular to body 12 in thisembodiment. Arm 16 includes a rigid stationary element 22 extendingoutwardly in a left-hand direction, perpendicular to the body. A rigidpivotal arm element 24 is rotatably or pivotally attached at one end tothe outer end of rigid stationary element 22 so as to extend in agenerally (because of the preferred arcuate shape) forward direction andmovable between a released position, generally parallel to body 12 inthe embodiment, and a cocked position, generally perpendicular to body12 in this embodiment. It should be understood that rigid stationaryelement 18 and rigid stationary element 22 could be provided as separateelements attached to body 12 or they could be provided as a singlecontinuous element attached to body 12 so as to extend outwardly inopposite directions. In any case the outwardly projecting portions areconsidered components of the pair of arms 14 and 16.

Pivotal arm element 20 is rotatably attached to stationary element 18 byan axle 26 with an at least one pulley arrangement, which in thisspecific example includes a pulley 27 fixedly attached adjacent theupper end for rotation therewith and a pulley 28 fixedly attached to thelower end for rotation therewith. Thus, rotation of pivotal arm element20 rotates pulleys 27 and 28 by way of axle 26. Similarly, pivotal armelement 24 is rotatably attached to stationary element 22 by an axle 30with an at least one pulley arrangement which in this specific exampleincludes a pulley 31 fixedly attached adjacent the upper end forrotation therewith and a pulley 32 fixedly attached to the lower end forrotation therewith. Pivotal arm element 24 is attached to stationaryelement 22 at an angle similar to pivotal arm element 20. Thus, rotationof pivotal arm element 24 rotates pulleys 31 and 32 by way of axle 30.Strings are wound around pulleys 27, 28, 31 and 32 and attached toelements of one or more tubular torsion bars mounted on body 12 to movepivotal arm elements 20 and 24 from the cocked position to the releaseposition. Examples of this mounting arrangement are described in moredetail below.

A pulley 40 is rotatably mounted at the distal or forward end of pivotalarm element 20 and a pulley 42 is rotatably mounted at the distal orforward end of pivotal arm element 24. A bow string 50 is wound aroundpulleys 40 and 42 with one section extending directly between the twofor engagement with a latch mechanism 52. Bowstring 50 is movablebetween a cocked position (illustrated in FIG. 2) and a releasedposition (illustrated in FIG. 1). In the cocked position, bowstring 50is pulled rearwardly and retained by latch mechanism 52, concurrentlymoving pivotal arm elements 20 and 24 to the cocked position. Latchmechanism 52 is movable between an open and a closed position by atrigger assembly 54 coupled thereto. In the closed configuration, latchmechanism 52 retains bowstring 50 in the cocked position. In the openconfiguration, latch mechanism 52 disengages bowstring 50, releasing itto the released position, concurrently allowing one or more tubulartorsion bars to move pivotal arm elements 20 and 24 to the releasedposition. While not described in any detail, a cocking mechanism 55 isprovided and can include substantially any conventional mechanism usedin conventional crossbows for moving the bowstring rearwardly to thecocked position. These mechanisms can include levers, cranks, a userfingers and the like. In the present embodiment, a lever mechanism isillustrated. The specific winding or arrangement of bow string 50 isdescribed in more detail below.

Referring additionally to FIG. 3, an enlarged view of a portion of arm16 is illustrated. Since both arms 14 and 16 are identical, only theattachment of arm 16 is illustrated. As can be seen in more detail,pivotal arm element 24 is rotatably attached to stationary element 22 byan axle 30 which has a pulley 31 fixedly attached to the upper end forrotation therewith and a pulley 32 fixedly attached to the lower end forrotation therewith. Thus, rotation of pivotal arm element 24 rotatespulleys 31 and 32 by way of axle 30. Strings are wound around pulleys 31and 32 and attached to elements of one or more tubular torsion barsmounted on body 12. Pulley 42 is rotatably mounted at the distal orforward end of pivotal arm element 24. A bow string 50 is wound aroundpulley 42 with one section extending directly between the pulleys 40 and42 for engagement with a latch mechanism 52 on body 12. Turning now toFIG. 4, the coupling between the energy storage and delivery system ofprojectile launcher 10 and the inward swinging arms 14 and 16 in theunloaded spring (released) position (some spring tension can remain inthe unloaded spring position), is illustrated in a simplified view. InFIG. 4, only the moving components are illustrated in their relativepositions to simplify understanding of the operation. In this specificexample, the energy storage and delivery system includes a singletubular torsion bar 60. Torsion bar 60 includes an inner tube 62 and anaxially aligned outer tube 64 fixedly joined at a distal end (not shown)by a mounting structure or the like and the outer ends are free.Torsional or spring energy is stored in torsion bar 60 by relativerotation between inner tube 62 and outer tube 64 with the amount ofrelative rotation determining the amount of energy stored.

Tubular torsion bar 60 will not be described in detail herein, astorsion bars are described in detail in U.S. Pat. No. 8,505,888,entitled “Tubular Torsion Bar”, issued Aug. 13, 2013 and included hereinby reference. As will be understood from the following detaileddescription, in this specific example the free ends of inner tube 62 andouter tube 64 are both rotated simultaneously but in opposite directionsto achieve maximum relative rotation and, thus, maximum stored energy.Still referring to FIG. 4, the string coupling pulleys 27, 28, 31, 32,66, and 68 includes four string components or string sections 33, 34,35, and 36 all formed of any convenient flexible material sufficientlyrugged to perform the required operations, such as wire, cable, rope,string, etc. all of which are included in the term “string”. The freeend of inner tube 62 is terminated with a coaxially mounted pulley 66.The free end of outer tube 64 is terminated with a coaxially mountedpulley 68. String section 33 is attached to pulley 66, and is wound onupper pulley 66 a partial turn (in this example) or it may wrap aroundone or more times, and extends over the upper edge or tangent of pulley66 to upper pulley 27, in the released position illustrated, to allowrotary movement of pulley 66 with rotary movement of upper pulley 27.String section 34 is attached to pulley 68 and is wound around pulley 68one or more times and extends under the lower edge or tangent of pulley68 to lower pulley 28, in the released position illustrated, to allowrotary movement of pulley 68 with rotary movement of pulley 28. Stringsection 35 is attached to pulley 68 and is wound on pulley 68 a partialturn (in this example) or it may wrap around one or more times andextends over the upper edge or tangent of pulley 68 to upper pulley 31,in the released position illustrated, to allow rotary movement of pulley68 with rotary movement of pulley 31. String section 36 is attached topulley 66 and is wound around pulley 66 one or more times and extendsunder the lower edge or tangent of pulley 66 to lower pulley 32, in thereleased position illustrated, to allow rotary movement of pulley 66with rotary movement of pulley 32. It will be noted that upper pulley 27and lower pulley 28 are vertically separated on axle 26 approximatelythe diameter of pulley 68 and upper pulley 31 and lower pulley 32 arevertically separated on axle 30 approximately the diameter of pulley 68so that string sections 33 through 36 extend approximately level. Whilea specific string arrangement is illustrated and described as a workingsample, it will be understood that other arrangements for providing thedescribed functions may be devised, all of which are intended to beincluded herein. In the present mechanical energy delivery system,string sections 33 through 36 are wound around pulleys 68, 27, 28, 66,31, and 32 such that the simultaneous rotation of arm 20 inward towardbody 12 to the cocked position (and pulleys 27 and 28 in acounterclockwise direction) and rotation of arm 24 inward toward body 12to the cocked position (and pulleys 31 and 32 in a clockwise direction)causes a clockwise rotation of pulley 68 (and outer tube 64) and acounterclockwise rotation of pulley 66 (and inner tube 62). Thismovement is accomplished by the drawing of bowstring 50 rearward. Itwill be understood that there are several features that can be adjustedor selected to change the relative rotation of inner tube 62 and outertube 64 and, thus, the amount of energy stored, including the diameterof the various pulleys, the size and material of tubular torsion bar 60,etc.

Turning to FIG. 5, the coupling between torsion bar 60 and inwardswinging arms 20 and 24 in the loaded spring (cocked) position, isillustrated in a simplified view. Bow string 50, which is one continuousstring, is wound around pulley 40 at the end of arm 20 and pulley 42 atthe end of arm 24 (see FIG. 1 or 2) so that when a section 51 of string50, extending directly between pulleys 40 and 42, is drawn back to latchmechanism 52 in the loaded spring (cocked) position as illustrated inFIG. 5, arms 20 and 24 are rotated inwardly to a cocked position,rotating pulleys 27, 28, 31 and 32 and causing strings 33 through 36 toproduce opposite rotation of pulleys 66 and 68. Thus, it can be seenthat through the novel arrangement of pulleys and strings projectilelauncher 10 can be relatively easily fabricated to produce maximumstored energy or power from virtually any tubular torsion bar.

Turning to FIG. 6, an energy storage and delivery system 100 for aprojectile launcher. such as projectile launcher 10 above, isillustrated. In this example, energy storage and delivery system 100incorporates two tubular torsion bars 110 and 112. Torsion bar 110includes an inner tube 114 and a coaxially oriented outer tube 115.Similarly, torsion bar 112 includes an inner tube 116 and a coaxiallyoriented outer tube 117. Further, in this specific example, only outerfree tubes 115 and 117 are terminated, one each, in pulleys 118 and 119,respectively, and inner tubes 114 and 116 are anchored and do notrotate. Alternatively, outer tubes 114 and 116 could be free andterminated, one each, in pulleys 118 and 119, respectively, and innertubes 115 and 117 could be anchored and not rotate. Four string sections133, 134, 135, and 136 are attached and wound around pulleys 118 and 119and around left-hand pulleys 126 and 128, attached to a pivotal armelement 120 (not shown) by an axle 126 and around right-hand pulleys 131and 132, attached to a pivotal arm element 124 (not shown) by an axle130. String sections 133 through 136 are wound (generally as describedabove relative to strings 33 through 36) so that simultaneouscounterclockwise rotation of pulleys 127 and 128 and clockwise rotationof pulleys 131 and 132 produces rotation in either direction of pulleys118 and 119. In this specific example both tubular torsion bars 110 and112 are mounted so that rotation of pulleys 118 and 119 producesrelative rotation between fixed inner tubes 114 and 116 and free outertubes 115 and 117 in each of the two tubular torsion bars 110 and 112and, thus storage and release of energy. It should be understood thatthe above are only examples and additional tubular torsion bars eachwith one or more activating pulleys can be incorporated into aprojectile launcher in accordance with the present teaching.

Thus, a new and improved projectile launcher with greater power than theprior art is disclosed. Further, the new and improved projectilelauncher has increased energy storage capabilities. Through the novelarrangement of pulleys and strings projectile launchers can berelatively easily fabricated to produce maximum stored energy or powerincorporating virtually any single or multiple tubular torsion bars.Further, through adjustments or specific selection of components in thepulleys and strings and the tubular torsion bars, projectile launchersof virtually any size and strength can be fabricated.

Various changes and modifications to the embodiments herein chosen forpurposes of illustration will readily occur to those skilled in the art.To the extent that such modifications and variations do not depart fromthe spirit of the invention, they are intended to be included within thescope thereof, which is assessed only by a fair interpretation of thefollowing claims.

Having fully described the invention in such clear and concise terms asto enable those skilled in the art to understand and practice the same,the invention claimed is:
 1. A projectile launcher with inward rotatingarms comprising: a body having a rearward end, and a forward end, with aforward end direction being directed general toward the forward end; afirst rigid arm having a first rigid stationary element extendingoutwardly from the body defining a first outer end area and a firstrigid pivotal element pivotally attached to the first outer end area ofthe first rigid stationary element so as to extend in the forward enddirection and defining a first distal end, the first rigid pivotalelement being pivotable between a cocked position directed generallytoward the body and a released position directed generally in theforward direction; a second rigid arm having a second rigid stationaryelement extending outwardly from the body in a direction opposite thefirst rigid stationary element defining a second outer end area and asecond rigid pivotal element pivotally attached to the second outer endarea of the second rigid stationary element so as to extend in theforward end direction and defining a second distal end, the second rigidpivotal element being pivotable between a cocked position directedgenerally toward the body and a released position directed generally inthe forward direction; a bowstring extending between the distal ends ofthe first and second rigid pivotal arm elements and movable between acocked position and a released position, movement of the bowstring fromthe released position to the cocked position rotates or pivots the firstrigid pivotal element and the second rigid pivotal element from thereleased position to the cocked position; a latch mechanism movablebetween a closed position, retaining the bowstring in the cockedposition, and an open position, releasing the bowstring to allowmovement to the released position; at least one tubular torsion barcoupled to the pair of rigid arms, the at least one tubular torsion barmovable between a mechanical energy storage configuration and amechanical energy releasing configuration; and a mechanical energydelivery system coupling the at least one tubular torsion bar to thefirst and second rigid pivotal elements, the mechanical energy deliverysystem transferring mechanical energy in the form of rotary movement ofthe first and second rigid pivotal elements to the at least one tubulartorsion bar when the bowstring is moved from the released position tothe cocked position, and transferring mechanical energy from the atleast one tubular torsion bar to the first and second rigid pivotalelements to move the first and second rigid pivotal elements from thecocked position to the released position and the bowstring from thecocked position to the released position; and wherein the at least onetubular torsion bar includes an inner tube and an axially aligned outertube and the mechanical energy delivery system includes a free end ofthe inner tube terminated with a first coaxially mounted pulley and afree end of the outer tube terminated with a second coaxially mountedpulley, the first and second coaxially mounted pulleys forming a portionof the mechanical energy delivery system.
 2. (canceled)
 3. A projectilelauncher with inward rotating arms as claimed in claim 1 wherein themechanical energy delivery system further includes a first pulleyarrangement mounted at the first outer end area of the first rigidstationary element for rotation with rotation of the first rigid pivotalelement and a second pulley arrangement mounted at the second outer endarea of the second rigid stationary element for rotation with rotationof the second rigid pivotal element.
 4. A projectile launcher withinward rotating arms as claimed in claim 3 wherein the mechanical energydelivery system further includes one or more strings wound at leastpartially around the first coaxially mounted pulley, the first pulleyarrangement mounted at the first outer end area, the second pulleyarrangement mounted at the second outer end area, and the secondcoaxially mounted pulley.
 5. A projectile launcher with inward rotatingarms as claimed in claim 3 wherein the first rigid pivotal element ispivotally attached to the first rigid stationary element by a first axleand the first pulley arrangement includes a first pair of spaced apartpulleys attached to the first axle for rotation therewith and the secondrigid pivotal element is pivotally attached to the second rigidstationary element by a second axle and the second pulley arrangementincludes a second pair of spaced apart pulleys attached to the secondaxle for rotation therewith.
 6. A projectile launcher with inwardrotating arms comprising: a body having a rearward end, and a forwardend, with a forward end direction being directed general toward theforward end; a first rigid arm having a first rigid stationary elementextending outwardly from the body defining a first outer end area and afirst rigid pivotal element pivotally attached to the first outer endarea of the first rigid stationary element so as to extend in theforward end direction and defining a first distal end, the first rigidpivotal element being pivotable between a cocked position directedgenerally toward the body and a released position directed generally inthe forward direction; a second rigid arm having a second rigidstationary element extending outwardly from the body in a directionopposite the first rigid stationary element defining a second outer endarea and a second rigid pivotal element pivotally attached to the secondouter end area of the second rigid stationary element so as to extend inthe forward end direction and defining a second distal end, the secondrigid pivotal element being pivotable between a cocked position directedgenerally toward the body and a released position directed generally inthe forward direction; a bowstring extending between the distal ends ofthe first and second rigid pivotal arm elements and movable between acocked position and a released position, movement of the bowstring fromthe released position to the cocked position rotates or pivots the firstrigid pivotal element and the second rigid pivotal element from thereleased position to the cocked position; a latch mechanism movablebetween a closed position, retaining the bowstring in the cockedposition, and an open position, releasing the bowstring to allowmovement to the released position; at least one tubular torsion barcoupled to the pair of rigid arms, the at least one tubular torsion barmovable between a mechanical energy storage configuration and amechanical energy releasing configuration; a mechanical energy deliverysystem coupling the at least one tubular torsion bar to the first andsecond rigid pivotal elements, the mechanical energy delivery systemtransferring mechanical energy in the form of rotary movement of thefirst and second rigid pivotal elements to the at least one tubulartorsion bar when the bowstring is moved from the released position tothe cocked position, and transferring mechanical energy from the atleast one tubular torsion bar to the first and second rigid pivotalelements to move the first and second rigid pivotal elements from thecocked position to the released position and the bowstring from thecocked position to the released position; and wherein the at least onetubular torsion bar includes two tubular torsion bars each having aninner tube and an axially aligned outer tube and the mechanical energydelivery system includes a free end of one of the inner tube and theouter tube of each of the two tubular torsion bars terminated withcoaxially mounted pulleys.
 7. A projectile launcher with inward rotatingarms as claimed in claim 1 wherein the first and second rigid stationaryelements are formed as a single unit.
 8. A projectile launcher withinward rotating arms comprising: a body having a rearward end, and aforward end, with a forward end direction being directed general towardthe forward end; a first rigid arm having a first rigid stationaryelement extending outwardly from the body defining a first outer endarea and a first rigid pivotal element pivotally attached to the firstouter end area of the first rigid stationary element so as to extend inthe forward end direction and defining a first distal end, the firstrigid pivotal element being pivotable between a cocked position directedgenerally toward the body and a released position directed generally inthe forward direction; a second rigid arm having a second rigidstationary element extending outwardly from the body in a directionopposite the first rigid stationary element defining a second outer endarea and a second rigid pivotal element pivotally attached to the secondouter end area of the second rigid stationary element so as to extend inthe forward end direction and defining a second distal end, the secondrigid pivotal element being pivotable between a cocked position directedgenerally toward the body and a released position directed generally inthe forward direction; a bowstring extending between the distal ends ofthe first and second rigid pivotal arm elements and movable between acocked position and a released position, movement of the bowstring fromthe released position to the cocked position rotates or pivots the firstrigid pivotal element and the second rigid pivotal element from thereleased position to the cocked position; a latch mechanism movablebetween a closed position, retaining the bowstring in the cockedposition, and an open position, releasing the bowstring to allowmovement to the released position; a mechanical energy delivery systemincluding a tubular torsion bar including an inner tube and an axiallyaligned outer tube, a free end of the inner tube terminated with a firstcoaxially mounted pulley and a free end of the outer tube terminatedwith a second coaxially mounted pulley, the tubular torsion bar movablebetween a mechanical energy storage configuration and a mechanicalenergy releasing configuration; and the mechanical energy deliverysystem further including a first pulley arrangement mounted at the firstouter end area of the first rigid stationary element for rotation withrotation of the first rigid pivotal element and a second pulleyarrangement mounted at the second outer end area of the second rigidstationary element for rotation with rotation of the second rigidpivotal element, and one or more strings wound at least partially aroundthe first coaxially mounted pulley, the first pulley arrangement mountedat the first outer end area, the second pulley arrangement mounted atthe second outer end area, and the second coaxially mounted pulley foropposite rotation of the first and second coaxially mounted pulleys; themechanical energy delivery system transferring mechanical energy in theform of rotary movement of the first and second rigid pivotal elementsto opposite rotation of the first and second coaxially mounted pulleyswhen the bowstring is moved from the released position to the cockedposition, and transferring mechanical energy from the tubular torsionbar to the first and second rigid pivotal elements to move the first andsecond rigid pivotal elements from the cocked position to the releasedposition and the bowstring from the cocked position to the releasedposition.
 9. A projectile launcher with inward rotating arms as claimedin claim 8 wherein the first and second rigid stationary elements areformed as a single unit.
 10. A projectile launcher with inward rotatingarms as claimed in claim 8 wherein the first rigid pivotal element ispivotally attached to the first rigid stationary element by a first axleand the first pulley arrangement includes a first pair of spaced apartpulleys attached to the first axle for rotation therewith and the secondrigid pivotal element is pivotally attached to the second rigidstationary element by a second axle and the second pulley arrangementincludes a second pair of spaced apart pulleys attached to the secondaxle for rotation therewith.
 11. A projectile launcher with inwardrotating arms comprising: a body having a rearward end, and a forwardend, with a forward end direction being directed general toward theforward end; a first rigid arm having a first rigid stationary elementextending outwardly from the body defining a first outer end area and afirst rigid pivotal element pivotally attached to the first outer endarea of the first rigid stationary element so as to extend in theforward end direction and defining a first distal end, the first rigidpivotal element being pivotable between a cocked position directedgenerally toward the body and a released position directed generally inthe forward direction; a second rigid arm having a second rigidstationary element extending outwardly from the body in a directionopposite the first rigid stationary element defining a second outer endarea and a second rigid pivotal element pivotally attached to the secondouter end area of the second rigid stationary element so as to extend inthe forward end direction and defining a second distal end, the secondrigid pivotal element being pivotable between a cocked position directedgenerally toward the body and a released position directed generally inthe forward direction; a bowstring extending between the distal ends ofthe first and second rigid pivotal arm elements and movable between acocked position and a released position, movement of the bowstring fromthe released position to the cocked position rotates or pivots the firstrigid pivotal element and the second rigid pivotal element from thereleased position to the cocked position; a latch mechanism movablebetween a closed position, retaining the bowstring in the cockedposition, and an open position, releasing the bowstring to allowmovement to the released position; a mechanical energy delivery systemincluding a plurality of tubular torsion bars each including an innertube and an axially aligned outer tube, each of the plurality of tubulartorsion bars including a free end of one of the inner and outer tubesterminated with a coaxially mounted pulley, each of the plurality oftubular torsion bars movable between a mechanical energy storageconfiguration and a mechanical energy releasing configuration; and themechanical energy delivery system further including a first pulleyarrangement mounted at the first outer end area of the first rigidstationary element for rotation with rotation of the first rigid pivotalelement and a second pulley arrangement mounted at the second outer endarea of the second rigid stationary element for rotation with rotationof the second rigid pivotal element, and one or more strings wound atleast partially around the coaxially mounted pulleys, the first pulleyarrangement mounted at the first outer end area, and the second pulleyarrangement mounted at the second outer end area; the mechanical energydelivery system transferring mechanical energy in the form of rotarymovement of the first and second rigid pivotal elements to rotation ofthe coaxially mounted pulleys when the bowstring is moved from thereleased position to the cocked position, and transferring mechanicalenergy from the plurality of tubular torsion bars to the first andsecond rigid pivotal elements to move the first and second rigid pivotalelements from the cocked position to the released position and thebowstring from the cocked position to the released position.
 12. Aprojectile launcher with inward rotating arms as claimed in claim 11wherein the first and second rigid stationary elements are formed as asingle unit.
 13. A projectile launcher with inward rotating arms asclaimed in claim 11 wherein the first rigid pivotal element is pivotallyattached to the first rigid stationary element by a first axle and thefirst pulley arrangement includes a first pair of spaced apart pulleysattached to the first axle for rotation therewith and the second rigidpivotal element is pivotally attached to the second rigid stationaryelement by a second axle and the second pulley arrangement includes asecond pair of spaced apart pulleys attached to the second axle forrotation therewith.